On February 14, 2019, an Embraer EMB-120 Brasília (registration 5Y-FAU) operated by Freedom Airline Express was involved in an aviation accident near Somalia, Somalia during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The collapse of the left main landing gear during touchdown on a gravel airstrip. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).
An aircraft experienced a structural failure of its left main landing gear while touching down on a gravel runway in Somalia, resulting in a write-off.
What happened
During an arrival at a gravel airstrip situated within Somalia, the aircraft's left main landing gear suffered a collapse. The incident occurred during the landing phase of the flight. Upon the failure of the gear, the plane sustained significant damage to its structure.
Despite the impact and the subsequent damage to the airframe, there were no injuries reported among the occupants on board at the time of the accident. The aircraft was subsequently determined to be a total loss, as it was damaged beyond repair.
Findings
Investigations into the event concluded that the primary factor in the accident was the failure of the left main gear specifically while operating on the unpaved gravel surface.
Probable cause
The collapse of the left main landing gear during touchdown on a gravel airstrip.